Woodlawn, MD

About the City
Climate and Weather
Landmarks
Transport
Medical Facilities and Healthcare
Museums and Historic Sites
Sports and Recreation
Universities and Education
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Woodlawn is a suburban unincorporated community in Baltimore County, Maryland, primarily known as the headquarters location for the U.S. Social Security Administration and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Full Official Name: Woodlawn, Baltimore County, Maryland.
Administrative Status: Woodlawn is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) . It does not have a municipal government of its own and is governed as part of Baltimore County.
Country and Region: It is located in the United States, in the state of Maryland, within Baltimore County. Baltimore County is part of the Baltimore metropolitan area and is known for its diverse mix of suburban communities, historic towns, and proximity to the major city of Baltimore .

Historical Names and Nicknames

Informal Name: Parts of Woodlawn are sometimes informally referred to as "Security," a name derived from the presence of the Social Security Administration's headquarters and nearby landmarks like Security Boulevard and Security Square Mall .

Date of Founding and Age

Year of Establishment: The community of Woodlawn was established in 1904 .
Age: As of 2026, Woodlawn is 122 years old.

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Geographic Coordinates: 39.3054° N, -76.7489° W .
Positioning: Woodlawn is located in north-central Maryland. It is bordered by the city of Baltimore to the east, Catonsville to the south, the Patapsco River and Howard County to the west, and Randallstown and Lochearn to the north .
Type of Settlement: It is a suburban community and census-designated place (CDP).

City Type and Economic Specialization

Woodlawn's economy is defined by its role as a major center for the U.S. federal government. It is the headquarters location for two of the nation's most significant social welfare agencies .

The Social Security Administration (SSA) .
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) . This federal presence is the cornerstone of the local economy and shapes the community's identity. It is primarily an administrative and suburban residential center.

Population and Demographics

Population: According to the 2020 United States Census, the population of the Woodlawn CDP was 39,986 .
Size Classification: It is a medium-sized unincorporated community.
Demographic Features: Woodlawn is a diverse community. The 2020 census data shows a population that is 55.87% Black or African American, 15.59% White, 15.48% Asian, and 8.65% Hispanic or Latino .

"Visiting Card" of the City (Brief)

Woodlawn is best known as the home of the massive, campus-like headquarters of the U.S. Social Security Administration, a major employer and a landmark in the Baltimore suburbs. Its identity is tied to this federal presence, offering a quiet, residential setting with convenient access to the city of Baltimore and its surrounding attractions.

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Woodlawn has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) , characterized by warm, humid summers and cool to cold, wet winters. The weather is partly cloudy year-round and is influenced by its mid-Atlantic location .

Average Temperatures by Month

The temperature in Woodlawn typically varies throughout the year, with distinct seasons .

Hottest Month: July is the hottest, with an average high of 86°F (30°C) and an average low of 70°F (21°C).
Coldest Month: January is the coldest, with an average low of 28°F (-2°C) and an average high of 41°F (5°C).
Seasonal Range: The hot season lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily highs above 78°F (26°C). The cold season lasts from late November to early March, with average daily highs below 50°F (10°C).

Precipitation and Humidity

Rainfall: Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year. The month with the most rain on average is May, with 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rainfall. The month with the least rain is January, with an average of 1.9 inches (48 mm) .
Snowfall: Woodlawn experiences significant seasonal snowfall. The snowiest period lasts from late November to late March. February typically sees the most snow, with an average accumulation of 7.3 inches (18.5 cm) .
Wet Days: The chance of a wet day varies. July is the wettest month, with an average of 11.3 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. January is the driest, with an average of 6.9 wet days .

Seasonality and Best Time for a Visit

The best times to visit Woodlawn for warm-weather outdoor activities are from mid-to-late June and from early August to late September .

Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm up considerably, from average highs of 53°F (12°C) in March to 74°F (23°C) in May. This is a pleasant time to see the area bloom.
Summer (June-August): Summers are warm and humid, with July highs averaging 86°F (30°C). This is a popular time for outdoor events.
Fall (September-November): Fall brings comfortable, cooling temperatures, with September highs of 77°F (25°C) dropping to 55°F (13°C) by November. The decreasing cloud cover in September and October makes for sunny, pleasant days .
Winter (December-February): Winters are cold, with January highs around 41°F (5°C). Snowfall is common, and skies are often cloudy.

Landmarks

Historic Sites and Points of Interest

While Woodlawn is largely residential, it contains several sites of historical and cultural significance.

Lorraine Park Cemetery Gate Lodge: This site, along with St. Mary's Episcopal Church, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, marking it as a place of architectural and historical importance in the community .
St. Mary's Episcopal Church: Also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, this church is a key historic landmark in Woodlawn .

A Major Historical Site Nearby

Just outside of Woodlawn lies a significant historical park that offers a glimpse into the region's past.

Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park: Located in nearby Sandy Spring, Maryland, this park is a key site on the Sandy Spring African American Heritage Trail. It features a Manor House from the 1800s and a museum in a historic stone barn. The park is the trailhead for the Underground Railroad Experience Trail, a hike that commemorates the county's role in helping enslaved people escape to freedom in the mid-19th century .

Another Notable Nearby Landmark

The Woodlawn History Center: Operated by the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, Maryland, this center is housed in the historic Woodlawn House, built in 1735. It is the oldest building in the Smithsonian's collection that remains in its original location. The center features exhibits on the diverse people who lived in and around the house, including Indigenous peoples, enslaved individuals, and tenant farmers, with artifacts uncovered by citizen scientists .

Transport

Nearest Major Airports

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): Located approximately 13-14 miles south of Woodlawn, BWI is the closest major airport, with a travel time of about 21 minutes by car via I-695 and I-195. Taxi and rideshare fares from the Woodlawn area to BWI are estimated to start around $24 for a standard service .

Roads and Highways

Woodlawn is well-connected by a network of state and county roads, facilitating easy travel within the community and to the broader Baltimore region . Major thoroughfares include:

Security Boulevard (Maryland Route 122): This is the primary commercial corridor through Woodlawn, running east-west and providing access to the Social Security Administration and Security Square Mall.
Windsor Mill Road
Woodlawn Drive
Rolling Road

Public Transportation

The Woodlawn area is a significant hub for the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), offering several bus routes that connect it to Baltimore and the surrounding suburbs .

Bus Services: Key routes include:
- CityLink Blue (CityLink): Operates along Security Boulevard, providing frequent service.
- QuickLink 40 (QuickBus): A limited-stop bus service along Security Boulevard.
- LocalLink 78, 79, 31, and 37: These routes provide local service along major roads like Rolling Road, Woodlawn Drive, and Security Boulevard.
Commute Patterns: Despite the bus services, the vast majority of Woodlawn residents (75.8%) commute by driving alone, with an average one-way commute time of 31.1 minutes .
Nearby Rail Access: For regional rail travel, the Halethorpe MARC Train station is located just outside of Woodlawn, providing service on the Camden Line to Baltimore and Washington, D.C. . The Baltimore Metro Subway and Light Rail system also has stations accessible from Woodlawn .

Medical Facilities and Healthcare

Woodlawn and its surrounding area offer a range of healthcare options for residents and visitors, from major medical centers to community-focused clinics .

Major Hospitals and Medical Centers

While Woodlawn itself is a community with local clinics, residents have access to comprehensive care at several major hospitals in the nearby area .

Prince George's Hospital Center is one of the major medical centers serving the Woodlawn area, providing comprehensive care across a wide range of medical specialties, including oncology, cardiology, and neurology. They also offer numerous urgent care services .

Doctors Community Hospital is another key healthcare facility for Woodlawn residents, offering comprehensive medical services and specialized treatments similar to Prince George's Hospital Center .

Local Medical Facilities

Kaiser Permanente Woodlawn Medical Center is a medical office building located nearby at 7141 Security Blvd in Baltimore . This facility offers a variety of services to Kaiser Permanente members, including flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, laboratory services with self-service check-in, and various medical specialties . They accept a range of insurance plans, including Medicare Advantage and Maryland Medicaid .

For non-life-threatening conditions that require immediate attention, Woodlawn Urgent Care provides convenient and prompt medical care with extended hours .

Museums and Historic Sites

While Woodlawn itself may not have large museums, it is in close proximity to one of America's most significant historic sites.

Historic Sites

Just a short distance from Woodlawn is George Washington's Mount Vernon . This was the home and plantation of the first U.S. president, George Washington, built in 1758 . The estate includes the historic wooden mansion and its expansive grounds, offering visitors a deep dive into 18th-century American history and the life of the Washington family .

Nearby, the Alexandria City Marina offers scenic views of the waterfront and is part of a network of riverside parks in the area .

Sports and Recreation

Information regarding professional sports teams, major stadiums, or famous athletes specifically based in Woodlawn is limited. However, the area offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and is close to the professional sports scene of the nearby Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area.

Outdoor Recreation

The Woodlawn area is suitable for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, with scenic routes and hidden gems to explore . Local parks and facilities provide opportunities for community members to stay active.

Nearby Attractions

For those seeking scenic views, which often complement sports and recreation, locations such as Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis are noted for their beauty .

For spectator sports, residents and visitors are within driving distance of Baltimore, home to professional teams like the Baltimore Orioles (MLB) and the Baltimore Ravens (NFL).

Universities and Education

Direct information about major university campuses within Woodlawn's immediate vicinity is limited in the search results. However, the community is part of a larger region with extensive higher education opportunities.

Regional Higher Education

Woodlawn residents are within commuting distance of numerous colleges and universities in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. This includes major research institutions like Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, College Park, as well as many other public and private universities and community colleges.

Local public schools serve the community, providing K-12 education. For specific information on educational facilities, consulting local school district resources would be beneficial.

Nearby Educational Opportunities

Given the proximity to both Baltimore and Washington D.C., a vast array of specialized institutes, historical colleges, and research universities are accessible to Woodlawn residents for higher education and continuing studies.

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Information on specific culinary traditions or famous dishes unique to Woodlawn is not readily available in the search results. As a community within the diverse Baltimore-Washington corridor, the area likely features a wide variety of dining options.

Dining and Local Favorites

While no singular dish defines Woodlawn, the community and its surroundings offer a mix of culinary experiences. Local reviews mention summer camps and outdoor activities, but do not specify particular restaurants or famous local foods .

For a broader culinary experience, residents and visitors can explore the diverse food scenes in nearby Baltimore and the Washington D.C. suburbs, which offer everything from famous Maryland blue crabs to international cuisines.

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